The Top Double Strollers Gurus Are Doing Three Things

Buying Guide For Double Strollers A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids with similar age. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children in the same place while you shop, parks, and whatever else life throws at you. Comfort When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This could include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. “They should also look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family.” A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse different surfaces smoothly—from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of different age and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from sun or rain. For many families double strollers will be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to think about the seating options. “There are two main categories—in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other,” Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items. In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably. Then, she suggests looking for strollers that have storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials in reach. A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the configuration to meet the needs of their expanding family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat as early as birth, and then converted to a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older. Safety Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a non-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features. Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to be able to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings arguing over who gets to sit in which place however it's not foolproof. If lightweight double stroller are set at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other on the course of a walk. If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. However, they are larger than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S. Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other issues. While it's easy for us to focus on the additional bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it is crucial to remember that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that is used for extended durations of time. It must be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes. Ease of Use A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on various terrains for families who are always on the move. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them easier to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent or console for parents, as well as a snack tray for kids—all things that will make life on the go with two kids significantly simpler. During our testing We evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall function of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge selling point for parents who are constantly on the move, as it removes the need to rethread the harness. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating options and accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate an additional seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long trips with multiple kids of various age groups. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields—and folds flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze. Storage A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids—nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' items such as phones, wallets keys and wallets. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can hold bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags. A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For example, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others have child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow for a rider board to let older siblings take part in the fun. There's a wide selection of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. As you shop, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to gain an idea of what to expect with the double stroller you select. Double strollers are available in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are suitable for twins or kids who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats set up in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age, or siblings who want to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit into doors. If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model has multiple seating options and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. And when it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.